Stories by Nina Hernandez
Rethink35 plans what it hopes will be largest anti-highway protest in Texas history
Rethink35, the organization fighting the Interstate 35 Capital Express Project slated to begin next year, is organizing what it hopes to be the largest anti-highway protest in Texas history. The rally is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Nov. 5 at…
Roads • By Nina Hernandez • Oct 13, 2023
Report suggests Austin reach net-zero climate goals via housing density and increased transit
The Environmental Commission heard a presentation last week on a research paper that discusses how Austin can reach its net-zero carbon emission goals via increased housing density. The report is the result of nonprofit Transit Forward, which is dedicated to…
Transit • By Nina Hernandez • Oct 11, 2023
Airport unveils first-ever Environmental, Social and Governance Report
The Airport Advisory Commission heard a briefing on the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport’s first-ever Environmental, Social and Governance Report at its regular meeting Sept. 13. The report, which was published in May, is a review of the organization’s impact and performance…
Transportation • By Nina Hernandez • Oct 3, 2023
New state law limits Austin’s Parkland Dedication Ordinance
The city’s Parks and Recreation Board on Monday learned about the impacts of Texas House Bill 1526 on Austin’s existing Parkland Dedication Ordinance and the future of Austin’s park system. The Parkland Dedication Ordinance, first established in 1985, orders new…
Parks • By Nina Hernandez • Sep 28, 2023
Capital Metro Board of Directors approves Fiscal Year 2024 budget
The Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board of Directors voted unanimously Monday to approve the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Operating and Capital Budget, as well as its Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan. The approved budget is $871,033,690 in operating and capital expenses. It…
Transit • By Nina Hernandez • Sep 27, 2023
Cap Metro board approves contract with new third-party bus service provider
The Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board of Directors voted Monday to approve a resolution authorizing a contract with a new third-party bus operator, despite concerns from union leadership. A motion to approve the item passed the board unanimously. President &…
Transit • By Nina Hernandez • Sep 26, 2023
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Austin joins fight against proposed private dam on South Llano River
Austin is joining the fight against a proposed private dam on the South Llano River that experts say could have an impact on the city’s water supply. City Council voted last week to approve a resolution directing the city manager…
Water • By Nina Hernandez • Sep 19, 2023
CAMPO board authorizes consultant to assist in drafting 2050 Regional Transportation Plan
The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization Transportation Policy Board voted on Monday to authorize negotiations on an assistance contract for the 2050 Regional Transportation Plan. The RTP is the long-range planning document that outlines the goals, strategies, and objectives of…
Transportation • By Nina Hernandez • Sep 15, 2023
Cap Metro board holds public hearing on proposed FY 2024 budget
The Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board of Directors on Wednesday held a public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2023-24 Operating and Capital Budget. Kevin Conlan, deputy chief financial officer, presented an overview of the $871 million budget proposal to…
Transit • By Nina Hernandez • Sep 14, 2023
Austin elected officials, community groups coalesce in opposition to I-35 expansion
At a town hall event last week, U.S. Rep. Greg Casar became the latest community leader to speak out against the Interstate 35 Capital Express project that is due to break ground next year. “Wider highways aren’t actually a traffic…
Transportation • By Nina Hernandez • Sep 7, 2023
Austin grapples with arrival of autonomous vehicles
Autonomous vehicles are in Austin. According to a Sept. 1 memo from the Transportation and Public Works Department, the presence of autonomous vehicles has become an increasingly common sight over the past few months. “Currently, there are approximately 125 fully…
Transportation • By Nina Hernandez • Sep 6, 2023
Capital Metro board authorizes contract for long-awaited pedestrian crossing at I-35 and Fourth Street
The Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board of Directors this week paved the way for construction of a pedestrian crossing at Interstate 35 and Fourth Street. The resolution, which passed on the consent agenda at the board’s Aug. 28 meeting, authorizes…
